Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel has secured the Best Caribbean Music Act title at the 2026 MOBO Awards, marking another milestone in his influential career.
The awards ceremony, celebrating its 30th anniversary, was held at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom. The event was founded by Kanya King to honour achievements in Black music and culture.
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Kartel triumphed over a competitive lineup that included Masicka, Shenseea, Lila Iké, Ayetian, and Yung Bredda. The category recognises outstanding contributions to Caribbean music within the UK and internationally.
Despite his success in the Caribbean category, Kartel was edged out in the Best International Act category by Nigerian star Ayra Starr.
The 2026 ceremony also saw Olivia Dean emerge as one of the night’s top winners, taking home three awards, including Best New Artist.
Kartel’s latest win builds on his longstanding relationship with the MOBO Awards. In 2025, he received the MOBO Impact Award in recognition of his global influence on dancehall music. He had also previously earned multiple nominations in the former Best Reggae Act category, which has since been rebranded as Best Caribbean Music Act.
The recognition further cements Kartel’s legacy as one of the most influential figures in Caribbean music, with a lasting impact on the genre’s global reach.
